Hor Sweet Mui

07 October, 1966 - 10 October, 2016

My sister, Hor Sweet Mui was born in Kuala Lumpur on 7 October 1966. She received her secondary school education in Ampang Road Girls’ School, Kuala Lumpur. After having completed her STPM in 1985, she went on to pursue her LL.B from University of London (External) and obtained a second class lower result. She continued her studies for the CLP in University Malaya and successfully completed it in 1994.

She did her pupillage with Messrs. Chan & Associates under her master, Mr. Yap Foo Ken. During her nine months pupillage, she specialised in conveyancing and litigation work for the law firm. Subsequently, she was called to the Bar in 1995.

She started her career as a legal assistant specialising in conveyancing and litigation work in two law firms; Messrs. Nazri Aziz & Wong (1996 – 1998) and Iza Ng Yeoh & Kit (1998 – 2000).

In year 2000, she partnered with two lawyers to set up a legal firm named Messrs. Hoo & Co.

My sister’s dream was to become a lawyer. Her answer would always be “lawyer” whenever her teachers asked her about her ambition when she was in the primary school. She wanted to be a lawyer because she wanted to champion legal causes for the great good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford a lawyer. Her journey to become a lawyer was not easy, she had to work part-time to self- finance her studies but her determination to become a lawyer outweighed her suffering and hardship.

As a lawyer, she was particularly meticulous in her work especially in drafting agreements and preparing loan documentations. As she was quite a perfectionist in nature, she expected her staff to give their best in their work and the outcome of it was many developers engaged Messrs. Hoo & Co. for many of their projects.

She would also give her best to her family. She would be a point of reference whenever her sisters needed advice be it legal, financial or even medical. Her sound advice and words of wisdom will forever be remembered by her loved ones. She was always very excited about life and she communicated the celebration of life in the way she decorated the house, the plants that she had grown and even planning for celebrations!

As a religious person, Sweet Mui was very active in the activities of her Buddhist society and was the secretary of the renowned Tibetan Buddhist Society; Pundarika Malaysia. Her legal advice was sought after by her society as well as the members of the society.

She was also well-known and well-loved for her approachable, jovial, friendly and humble nature. She was ready to offer her assistance at any given time. Most of the time, her clients became her personal friends. She put everyone in her life before herself and this special personality of hers had touched the lives and hearts of many. Her family, colleagues, friends and clients bear witness to the fact that she did not expect any recognition in return and she will always live in the hearts and minds of her family and friends.

Sweet Mui was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2015. Her untimely demise is grim, yet, we take solace in knowing she had led a meaningful and fulfilled life during her momentary sojourn on earth. I am indeed privileged and honoured to be her sister and friend.